Environmental Activities
and Events for Kids
Explore Your World!

• Nature Events and Activities
  

• Learn a New Skill

• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920)451-4080 - Young People's Wildlife Poetry Workshop. Young people in grades 1-8 wishing to sharpen their wildlife observation skills, hear wildlife poetry and try their hand at writing wildlife/plant life poetry are invited to take part in Gerald Bertsch's workshop. Half hour program with majority of time devoted to each young person creating his or her own "memory moment" set to the music of poetry. Young people must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 3-3:30 p.m.

• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Big Red Tent on the Beach. Discover the natural world on the beach under the tent. A different theme is featured each day with programs beginning on the hour. Programs feature a craft or game along with beach toys to check out. Themes for each day are; Thursday - Wind and Weather, Friday - Lake Michigan, Saturday - Snakes. The tent will be canceled for rain or lightening. Sponsored by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park and the Whitefish Bay Association. Whitefish Dunes Beach. 1 - 3 p.m.

• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Join Naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through Kindergarten and their parents. Please dress the children for outdoor play. 10 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Great Lakes Sport Fishing. Hear a member of the Sheboygan Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen speak on salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. The presentation will include the history of salmon fishing, information on the five species in Lake Michigan and a display of tackle and gear used for this sport. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail - Trees Of Wisconsin. DNR Forester, Bill Ruff, will be here to share his knowledge about trees of Wisconsin. An introduction to forestry will be followed by getting out on the trail to identify trees and observe characteristics of the forest. Meet at the Potawatomi Amphitheater. 2 p.m.

• Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee, (608) 831-3005 - Friday Folk Jamboree: Erin O'Brien. Listen to a local folk musician. Beach picnic shelter. 7-9 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail -
• Venture Into the Night Hike: Night Sounds. As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your insect repellent and sense of adventure. Meet at Long Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter. 8:30-10 p.m.
• Nature Storytime: Fluffy, Puffy Clouds. Lie back and watch the clouds float by. Come learn how these fluffy, puffy clouds are formed and what may fall from them. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail - Park Ecology. DNR Ecologist, Joe Henry, will be here to talk about the relationship between all living things in the park, and how these organisms live in balance. What happens when things are not in balance? Come find out. Meet at the base of the Observation Tower. 10 a.m.

• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Summer Candlelight Hike. Hike the 1.4-mile nature trail, lit by the moon and tiki torches. Naturalist program, " Night Noises - Midnight Music for the Brave at Heart!" by Chris Lilek at 8 p.m. at amphitheater. Refreshments and campfire at the amphitheater. Sponsored by Friends of Buckhorn State Park. South shelter parking lot and amphitheater. 8-10:30 p.m.
• Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, (715) 332-5271 or e-mail - Paddling Adventure. This nature program takes place at the Connors Lake Picnic Area. 1-2 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail -One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Nature Printing. The flowers are blooming, the leaves are green – what a perfect time of the year to do some nature printing. Drop in to make leaf prints, make a flower press, tie-dye a T-shirt (Bring your own T-shirt.) with natural dyes, and much more. Environmental Awareness Center. 9 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail -
  • Exploring Nature: Fishing Fun. Experienced anglers will share their knowledge on how to bait a hook, cast a line and reel in fish. If you're lucky, you may even learn to clean the fish you catch. Bring your fishing gear, if you have some. A limited number of rods and reels will be available and bait is provided. People over the age of 16 will need to have a valid Wisconsin fishing license to fish. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Fishing Pier. 9:30-11:30 a.m.
  • Drop In at the Beach: Birds of a Feather. Have you ever wanted to fly? Drop in to learn about the unique adaptations birds possess that help them to fly and survive in a great variety of habitats. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. 1-4 p.m.
  • Gray Wolves: The True Story. Wisconsin has been a historic home for gray wolves. With Jerry Sanders, delve into the amazing lives of these incredible animals lead. We also learn how they are recovering after being extirpated from the state and what the next steps will be in sustaining a healthy population of gray wolves in the Great Lakes region. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over the age of 8 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 -
  • Dutch Oven and Other Outdoor Cooking. Join park volunteers for an outdoor cooking demonstration using recipes from the park cookbook Cooking with Friends. This will be a great opportunity to pick up some tips and gather ides for your next camping trip or cookout. Amphitheater. Noon - 1:30 p.m.
  • Hiking the Appalachian Trail. In January of 2007 Tom Brown started on a through hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Join him for an evening of fun as he talks about the experience of long distance hiking. He will show slides and display equipment needed for his journey. Best for those age 8 and up. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail - Geocaching. Learn the basics of geocaching at Potawatomi State Park. This two-hour program will begin with an introduction to geocaching followed by hands-on experience locating temporary caches. GPS units will be provided. This is a program for all ages and parents are encouraged to join their children. Meet at the Potawatomi Amphitheater. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, (715) 842-2522 - Concert in the Clouds. This concert series is sponsored by the Friends of Rib Mountain State Park [exit DNR]. The Wausau Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble will be performing at the Rib Mountain Amphitheater. Admission to the concert is free, but a vehicle admission sticker is required. 6 - 8 p.m.
• Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Kids' Fishing Contest. Kids, try to catch a big bass or crappie for some awesome prizes. Fee $1 per child. 9 a.m. - noon.

• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Drop In at the Beach: Birds of a Feather. Have you ever wanted to fly? Drop in to learn about the unique adaptations birds possess that help them to fly and survive in a great variety of habitats. Drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Noon - 3 p.m.

• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Kayak Connection. Join the Lakeshore Sea Kayakers to learn about the basics of kayaking, including equipment, gear, safety, and destinations. Time for questions as well. Bathhouse. 7 p.m.

• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Children's Storytime. Children ages 4-10 are invited to hear nature stories read by a volunteer storyteller. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.

• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Big Red Tent on the Beach. Discover the natural world on the beach under the tent. A different theme is featured each day with programs beginning on the hour. Programs feature a craft or game along with beach toys to check out. Themes for each day are; Thursday - Forest Fire, Friday - Invasive Insects. The tent will be canceled for rain or lightening. Sponsored by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park and the Whitefish Bay Association. Whitefish Dunes Beach. 1 - 3 p.m.

• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Join Naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through Kindergarten and their parents. Please dress the children for outdoor play. 10 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Outdoor Adventure: An Ice Age Sunset. We will hike to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to catch a beautiful Ice Age Sunset. Along the way we will explore the surrounding woods and learn of the area's glacial legacy. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years. Parnell Tower Parking Lot. 6:30-8 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Solar System Walk. Join Solar System Ambassador Kevin Koski on a hike of our solar system. Learn fun and fascinating facts about the planets in our solar system and find out why Pluto is no longer considered a planet. Please wear comfortable shoes for the hike on the beach. Hike is best for those age 8 and up. Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.

• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Junior Forest Explorers: it's a Bird! It's a... What's that red bird? Join us we discover a birder's tricks to identifying birds by their habitats, behaviors, calls and color patterns. Bring binoculars if you have a pair. This fun-filled program is for all 6- to 12-year-old explorers. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail - Geologic History of Door County. The geologic history of the Door Peninsula is a dynamic story of moving continents, far away volcanoes, tropical seas and continental ice sheets. Learn how geologic forces formed the towering bluffs of the Niagara Escarpment. Meet at the Potawatomi Amphitheater. 8 p.m.

• Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, (715) 332-5271 or e-mail - Nature Art. This nature program takes place at the Connors Lake Picnic Area. 1-2 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail -
  • Exploring Nature: Ice Age at the Beach. The glaciers have returned to Mauthe Lake! Discover how the glaciers created kames, eskers, kettles, and moraines through fun hands-on activities. Be prepared to get a little wet. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. 9:30-11 a.m.
  • Drop In at the Beach: Nature Printing. Let your artistic energies flow! Using objects from nature, we will print lovely designs on cloth or note cards. Bring a T-shirt or bandanna or purchase one that day. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. 1-4 p.m.
  • Birds of the Kettle Moraine. More than 230 species of birds have been identified in the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Bill Volkert, Horicon DNR Wildlife Area naturalist, will share insights on how to identify them, and where and when to find them in the Northern Unit. This program is best for adults and youth over the age of 8 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 -
  • Owl Pellets. Join volunteer naturalist Jim Mohr to learn facts about owls and their interesting digestive system. There will be a short video and then time for actual pellet dissection and investigation. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. 2 p.m.
  • Wolves of Wisconsin. Learn about wolf ecology, population, management issues, field study techniques and more from Richard Stoelb, a volunteer carnivore tracker and member of Timberwolf Information Network. Bring the family. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail - Universe in the Park. This outreach program by the University of Wisconsin - Madison Astronomy Department will feature an informational presentation and slide show on astronomy, followed by a chance to view the night sky up close through a high powered telescope! Meet at the Potawatomi Amphitheater. 8:30 p.m.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, (608) 565-2789 - Universe in the Park. Learn about the planets, stars and comets. Astronomers will show a slide show and talk about the night sky or recent astronomical news. Then you can look through a telescope to check out the summer night sky! Kiosk shelter. 8 p.m., sunset.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Sand Sculpture Contest. Bring friends and family to help make sand creations on the beach. Prizes for everyone with grand prizes in three categories. You must be present to win. Ask the park for a rule sheet. Beach. Sculptures can not begin before 8 a.m. Registration 12:30-2 p.m., judging 2 p.m., awards 3 p.m.

• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Old-time Nature Skills, Games and Crafts. Take a step back in time to enjoy some old-time fun. Play outdoor/nature games like graces, sack races and pin-the-tail on the turkey. Try your hand at some nature crafts that would make your great-grandparents proud such as kites and leather treasure pouches. You will also be able to test your skills at archery, tracking and cross- cut sawing. Join us for an old-fashioned day of outdoor nature fun. In the event of threatening weather, this event will be canceled. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Noon - 4 p.m.

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Junior Rangers: Mister Golden Sun. Rain or shine, the sun is up there in the sky each day. We’ll celebrate the gifts the sun gives to plants, animals, and the whole earth. Concurrent story times for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents and for primary age children, ages 6-8. These programs are not for day care centers or organizations. Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.

• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Children's Storytime. Children ages 4-10 are invited to hear nature stories read by a volunteer storyteller. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.

• State Fair Park [exit DNR], West Allis, - Wisconsin State Fair [exit DNR]. Visit the DNR exhibits at this year's Wisconsin State Fair--a green oasis in the midst of the souvenir stands, amusement rides, food stands and loud music of the fairgrounds. Displays and demonstrations, license sales, and people to answer your questions. Nature discovery area for kids of all ages to enjoy. Near the southwest corner of the fairgrounds. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Big Red Tent on the Beach. Discover the natural world on the beach under the tent. A different theme is featured each day with programs beginning on the hour. Programs feature a craft or game along with beach toys to check out. Themes for each day are; Thursday - Insects (with guest speaker Linda Williams, "Bug Lady"), Friday - Aquaculture (with guest speaker Sarah Kaarz, Wisconsin Aquaculture), Saturday - Frogs and Toads. The tent will be canceled for rain or lightening. Sponsored by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park and the Whitefish Bay Association. Whitefish Dunes Beach. 1 - 3 p.m.

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Prairie Hike. August is one of the hottest months of the year - perfect for exploring out prairies! We’ll check out the prairie plantings by Lincoln Creek and see what’s in bloom. We will be walking through some tall vegetation, so dress accordingly and wear comfortable walking shoes. 10 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Join Naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through Kindergarten and their parents. Please dress the children for outdoor play. 10 a.m.

For more information, ask Wisconsin State Parks, (608) 266-2181.

The Department of Natural Resources offers several classes to help you learn how to safely participate in many of Wisconsin's favorite sports. Simply click on the title of the sport listed below to find out more about it. These links leave EEK! and go to the main DNR pages.

• Upcoming Activities at Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center (Leaves EEK!)
• Angler Education (Leaves EEK!)
• Boating Safety Education (Leaves EEK!)
• Bowhunter Education (NBEF Certified) (Leaves EEK!)
• Hunter Education (Leaves EEK!)
• Snowmobile Safety Education (Leaves EEK!)
• Trapper Education (Leaves EEK!)
• Waterfowl Hunter Education

Beginner Waterfowl Hunting Workshop at Sandhill
This one-day DNR workshop in early September has demonstrations on decoying, duck calling, hunting with dogs and goes through the basics of duck identification. Participants can also practice shot gunning on the range. This class is for kids age 12+ and is co-sponsored by Ducks Unlimited and Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. A $15 fee includes lunch and refreshments. Please see the Sandhill Wildlife Area Web page for more details on the workshop or call 715-884-2437.

Waterfowl Hunter Education
Want to get started in the fine art of waterfowling? Here's your chance to get started or brush up on your waterfowl hunting and identification skills. This course covers waterfowl identification by looking at bird wings, ecology and management, hunting ethics, waterfowling history in Wisconsin, duck and goose calling, decoy and blind use, hunting dogs and training, boating safety skills, wading and waterfowl clothing, and field dressing and cooking preparation of the bird. Free classes are provided by the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. They recommend that you be at least 12 years old to participate. Contact their office for class schedules at 1-800-524-8460.